American Bureau of Shipping Awards $12,000 in Scholarships to ATU Students
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing young talent by awarding scholarships worth $12,000 to 68 students from Accra Technical University (ATU). The prestigious initiative is part of ABS’s broader effort to empower future leaders in technical and engineering-related fields. The scholarships, announced during an official ceremony held on December 2, 2024, at the University’s Lodge, were awarded to students in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and Building Technology. The selection criteria emphasized academic excellence and financial need, aligning with ABS’s goal of fostering a well-rounded, skilled workforce. Mr. Iain Nuttall, ABS’s Area Operations Manager for Africa, emphasised the organization’s dedication to supporting students’ academic and professional growth. “At ABS, we believe in equipping young leaders with the tools they need to excel. This scholarship program is a demonstration of our vision of shaping a future defined by excellence,” he stated, encouraging the recipients to embrace the opportunity and pursue their aspirations with diligence. The Acting Vice-Chancellor of ATU commended ABS for selecting the institution, highlighting ATU’s reputation as Ghana’s premier technical university. He underscored the transformative impact of the scholarships, noting that they alleviate financial barriers and motivate students to achieve academic excellence. Addressing the beneficiaries, he urged them to uphold discipline and integrity, reminding them that their performance would ensure ATU remains eligible for similar opportunities in the future. Established in 1862, ABS specialises in marine and offshore classification services and maintains a global reputation for promoting safety and innovation. Through its scholarship program, ABS continues to invest in the next generation of leaders, strengthening its legacy of excellence in technical and engineering education. This initiative is another milestone in ABS’s long-standing mission to empower the next generation, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to thrive in a competitive global environment.
ATU Ranked Best Technical University in Ghana!
Accra Technical University Celebrates Historic Year of Awards and Achievements
Accra Technical University (ATU), Ghana’s foremost technical institution, has once again affirmed its position as a technical and vocational education trailblazer. Ranked as the 4th best university in Ghana and the number one technical university, ATU’s consistent excellence in innovation and societal impact underscores its vision to shape the future of technical education in Ghana and beyond. The university also achieved 43rd out of 129 universities in the prestigious 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) Sub-Saharan Africa Rankings. This recognition is not just a numerical victory but a profound endorsement of ATU’s mission. For 2024, the THE rankings introduced Ethical Leadership as a new performance indicator, replacing Teaching Skills. ATU excelled with an outstanding 89.2% score, a testament to its unwavering commitment to ethics, professionalism, and leadership development. Additionally, the university achieved an impressive 80.3% in Student Engagement, up from 71.1% in the previous rankings, reflecting a concerted effort to enrich the student experience through innovative programs, entrepreneurial hubs, and leadership training. The 2024 rankings evaluated universities across five key metrics: Resources and Finance, Access and Fairness, Ethical Leadership, Africa Impact, and Student Numbers. Amid stiff competition from 129 institutions, ATU stood out, showcasing a harmonious blend of quality education and societal transformation. Beyond rankings, 2024 has been a year of extraordinary achievements for ATU: These accolades are not mere decorations—they are milestones that highlight ATU’s leadership in tackling the United Nations SDGs and Africa’s Agenda 2063. The Times Higher Education rankings, a trusted global benchmark since 2004, celebrate institutions like ATU that drive transformation through innovative, equitable, and impactful education. As Ghana’s premier technical university, Accra Technical University remains a beacon of hope and excellence. Its dedication to ethical leadership, groundbreaking student engagement, and commitment to societal progress ensures that it is not just an institution of learning but a dynamic force shaping the future of Africa. ATU is not just leading—it is inspiring. The university’s journey is a call to action for stakeholders, students, and the global community to invest in technical education that transforms lives and drives sustainable development. The future of technical and vocational education in Ghana is brighter than ever, with Accra Technical University at the helm.
ATU’s Acting Vice-Chancellor Illuminates Global Stage at Going Global Africa 2024
Accra Technical University (ATU) continues to shine on the international stage as its Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Amevi Acakpovi, delivered a keynote address at the highly esteemed Going Global Africa 2024 Conference. The event, organized by the British Council, took place from November 26–29, 2024, bringing together thought leaders, educators, and policymakers across the continent to discuss transformative strategies for higher education. Revolutionising Education for a Future-Ready Workforce In “Addressing the Skills Gap: Competencies Students Will Need in 2050,” Prof. Acakpovi emphasized the need to blend advanced technologies with human creativity and empathy. He called for reimagining education that prioritizes critical areas such as sustainability, global citizenship, and inclusivity, ensuring that students are equipped to thrive in industries that demand technical expertise, social intelligence, and adaptability. Noting the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and quantum technology, Prof. Acakpovi stressed the need for graduates to possess technical and interpersonal skills to succeed in a dynamic global workforce. He highlighted strategies to bridge the skills gap, including curriculum innovation, strengthening technical and vocational education (TVET), fostering digital transformation, and expanding global partnerships. ATU: A Leader in Technical Education and Innovation In his address, Prof. Acakpovi showcased ATU’s achievements as a model institution driving innovation and excellence in technical education. He highlighted the launch of 23 Bachelor of Technology (BTech) and 11 Master of Technology (MTech) programs tailored to meet industry demands. These programs, he said, are designed to provide students with practical, cutting-edge knowledge that aligns with emerging trends. He also cited groundbreaking research achievements at ATU, including the development of vision-based artificial intelligence systems and renewable energy innovations, as examples of the university’s commitment to addressing real-world problems through technology, inspiring all associated with ATU to contribute to the betterment of society. Prof. Acakpovi further emphasized ATU’s global collaborations with leading institutions, including London South Bank University, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, and A-Tech Korea. These partnerships, he explained, enhance research opportunities, promote international knowledge exchange, and provide students and faculty with a global perspective. He also celebrated ATU’s recognition as the Best Technical University in West Africa for 2024 and its ranking as the fourth-best university in Ghana in 2023 by THE Rankings, describing these accolades as a testament to the university’s dedication to excellence. A Visionary Outlook Concluding his presentation, Prof. Acakpovi stressed the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning. “The Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions bring both challenges and opportunities,” he said, adding, “ATU is committed to leading the transformation of education by providing our students with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.” ATU’s engagement in the Going Global Africa Conference further reaffirms its technical education and innovation leadership, highlighting its determination to empower graduates to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing global landscape.
ATU Partners with IBG Foundation to Advance Gender Equality and Empower Women
Accra Technical University has taken a bold step toward championing women’s empowerment and fostering social inclusivity through a partnership with the I Believe Global Foundation (IBG), a civil society organisation dedicated to empowering women and promoting gender equality, particularly in developing economies. This strategic partnership, inked on November 26, 2024, stems from a shared commitment to advancing women’s development through education and acquiring future-ready digital skills. The MOU establishes a framework for collaboration between the two institutions, focusing on cooperative programs, joint research and training activities, and initiatives that promote social inclusion and diversity. The MOU was finalised in an official signing ceremony during IBG’s 2nd International Conference on Gender Equality, marking a significant step forward in advancing gender-focused initiatives. In the future, ATU and IBG will collaborate on community outreach programmes, gender-based capacity-building activities, and co-hosted conferences and events. This partnership reaffirms ATU’s dedication to empowering its female students with innovative opportunities, ensuring they are equipped for leadership roles soon.
Ghana Armed Forces Boost Efficiency with Generative AI Training
The Ghana Armed Forces, as part of its efforts to enhance efficiency and productivity, have received specialised training on the use of generative AI tools in accelerating administrative tasks. The two-day training, which was facilitated by Accra Technical University, took place on the 28th and 29th of October at the Ghana Armed Forces Computer CenterAddressing participants at the opening of the training, the Director of the IT Department at the Ghana Armed Forces, Colonel Emmanuel Otu Seppey, drummed home the pivotal role technology plays in ensuring a balance between speed and accuracy in their administrative duty. He mentioned that the world has transitioned to the Artificial Intelligence (AI) era, and everybody must embrace and incorporate it into their work. He said that the benefits of using AI are immeasurable and encouraged participants to seize the opportunity to improve their productivity at work. He urged participants to fully engage themselves and make the most of the work training and their daily lives. In her goodwill message, the Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development of Accra Technical University, Mrs. Linda Tormeti, encouraged participants to invest themselves in AI tools and explore the possibilities that abound in the technology. She stated that there is a gap in the adoption and use of AI in Africa, so there is a need for comprehensive education on its use to catch up with the rest of the world. She further disclosed that Africa lags behind others in AI investments, stressing the need for targeted resources in AI-driven fields. She expressed confidence that the training would transform participants’ work routines. Mr. Obed Oduro from Accra Technical University’s Library Department spearheaded the training session, taking participants through the concept of AI and how it can be incorporated into their administrative tasks. He taught participants AI prompting techniques that will help them get the most out of the tool to serve the purpose for which they use it.Participants were also taught how to use AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude and Microsoft Copiilot to carry out administrative activities like writing memos, reports, minutes, and responding to emails. Mr. Oduro mentioned the dynamism and efficiency AI brings to writing and organisation, adding that participants should learn how to get the best results by ensuring clarity in their prompts. The training also covered essential security measures to safeguard sensitive information when using AI, a critical aspect for military personnel. Mr. Oduro advised on best practices, including disabling history, using non-institutional emails, and avoiding specific details in prompts. These measures, he noted, would help secure sensitive data and ensure safe AI interactions. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises, experimenting with ChatGPT to generate sample reports, and exploring AI applications such as transcription, image recognition, optical character recognition, and creating personalised AI models.The two-day training offered insights into the use of AI by institutions such as the Ghana Armed Forces and the potential for capacity building, increasing efficiency, reducing errors, and enhancing productivity. Through its hands-on approach, participants grasped the scope of ChatGPT by developing prompting skills for assigned tasks, improving their overall user experience with the technology.
ATU Named Best Technical University in West Africa
Accra Technical University (ATU) has been named the Best Technical University in West Africa at the 2024 Africa Academia Conference and Awards held on November 14 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This honour solidifies ATU’s technical and vocational education trailblazer position, underscoring its impact across Ghana and the West African sub-region. The Acting Vice-Chancellor of ATU, Professor Amevi Ackapovi, delivered a compelling presentation at the event on the theme “The Role of Technical Universities in the Development of Africa.” In his address, he highlighted the transformative potential of technical education in addressing Africa’s developmental challenges. He emphasised the value of skills-based and competency-driven education, which, according to him, is critical for sustainable progress. “Technical education is often undervalued, yet it directly addresses the core developmental needs of our continent. What drives a nation’s development is knowledge, practical skills, and competencies,” Prof. Ackapovi remarked. He revealed that ATU’s Research and Innovation Hub has been pivotal in fostering groundbreaking discoveries in engineering, artificial intelligence, and anti-cancer solutions. This initiative, which sponsors applied research by students and lecturers, has positioned ATU as a leader in innovation-driven education. Receiving the award, Prof. Ackapovi expressed profound gratitude to the university’s faculty, staff, students, and partners, crediting their collective efforts for this recognition. He dedicated the award to their unwavering commitment to advancing ATU’s mandate of delivering high-quality technical education.“This award is not just recognition but a challenge to continue striving for excellence. It motivates us to expand our footprint in the history of African education and solidify our role as a beacon of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET),” he added. The conference, themed “Transforming Africa’s Academia for Social Impact and Progress,” brought together notable academics, policymakers, and thought leaders from across the continent. Distinguished speakers emphasised the need for African academia to align with the continent’s socio-economic needs. Contributions from other panellists, such as Rev. Prof. Cosmas Rhagot of Uzima University, Dr. Lilian Badi of Tanzania’s University of Iringa, and Ghana’s former Minister of Labour, Honourable Austin Gamey, reinforced the importance of practical, entrepreneurship-driven education and cross-border collaboration in tackling Africa’s shared challenges. The red-carpet award ceremony celebrated institutions and individuals driving African innovation and progress. ATU’s recognition follows other prestigious accolades, including awards for its energy curriculum under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework and designation as the Best TVET Institution in Ghana at the Ghana Technical Students Awards and Tech Fair 2024. Organised by the Business Executive Group, the Africa Academia Conference and Awards celebrates excellence in academia, governance, and business. ATU’s latest achievement demonstrates its enduring commitment to redefining technical education in Africa, paving the way for future milestones in education and innovation.
ATU Faculty Undergoes Design Thinking Methodology Training
Accra Technical University, in partnership with Design Thinking Ghana Hub, has organised a specialised training programme on Design Thinking methodology under the Africa Health Research and Innovation Project (AHRIP), a project executed by Accra Technical University, with funding from the RISA Fund through the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office. Aimed at bridging the gap between research and development in the health sector by using design thinking to address real-world challenges, the event brought together lecturers from various faculties on 5th and 6th November 2024 at the University Auditorium. The two-day training featured participatory activities focused on adopting the design thinking approach as a tool for innovative solutions to societal problems. The Chairperson of the event and AHRIP Principal Investigator, Professor Alice Constance Mensah, welcomed the participants and stressed the importance of applying design thinking principles to create meaningful, sustainable change in research and innovation, regardless of the field of study. She highlighted the need for a multi-disciplinary approach to tackling some of the most pressing issues facing the African health sector today. Throughout the event, facilitators from Design Thinking Hub, Dr. Gordon Adomdza, and Mr. Eugene Eluerkeh engaged participants in interactive discussions and collaborative exercises that explored the various stages of the design thinking process—from empathy and problem definition to ideation. Attendees were encouraged to adopt a human-centred mindset, putting the community’s needs at the centre of their innovation efforts. In smaller groups, participants worked on various issues bothering their immediate surroundings, applying design thinking tools to identify key pain points and develop user-centred solutions. These group activities encouraged cross-disciplinary collaboration and allowed attendees to experience firsthand the power of design thinking in solving societal issues. At the end of each session, groups presented their proposed solutions to the larger audience. These presentations were met with constructive feedback from fellow participants and facilitators, further refining the ideas and encouraging continuous improvement. In her closing remarks, Professor Mensah thanked participants for their active involvement in the two-day programme and encouraged them to exhibit the same commitment in the online sessions yet to take place. She encouraged all attendees to take the insights and strategies learnt during the training to their respective departments and continue exploring how design thinking can drive impactful change in their teaching methodologies.
In-Person Training Session for Innovators
All AHRIP trainees are by this notice informed that there will be a compulsory in-person training session as follows: 🗓 Date: Wednesday, 20th November 2024⏰ Time: 1:00 PM📍 Venue: ATU Akwaaba Lodge All innovators are expected to attend without fail. Kindly make the necessary arrangements to be present. Thank you.
Extension of Resit Registration
All affected students are, by this notice, informed that the registration for the 2023/2024 academic year resit examinations has been extended to Friday, 29th November 2024. Students are entreated to take advantage of this opportunity. Thank you.
